Tuesday, July 14, 2009

FEED YOUR BRAIN

***THE BEST AND WORST BRAIN FOODS***

Eating right affects your BRAIN as much as it affects your rear end. In fact, studies show that you can be up to 200 percent more productive if you make the right choices when it comes to your diet. So here's a guide of the best and worst brain foods . . .

--DON'T DRINK . . . energy drinks or TOO MUCH coffee. It can mess with your sleep schedule. Sleep gives your brain time to reboot, so you shouldn't mess with it.

#2.) FOR LONG-TERM MEMORY . . . eat blueberries. They're in season right now. The antioxidants in blueberries protect your brain from free-radicals and cut your risk of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

--DON'T EAT . . . fruit that's not ripe. It doesn't have the same nutrients. If fruit is OUT of season, you're better off buying it frozen, since the flavor, nutrients, and antioxidants have been locked in.

#3.) TO THINK FASTER . . . eat fish. Salmon or mackerel are best. The omega-3 fatty acids are the building blocks of brain tissue. Plus, the niacin in salmon can help ward off Alzheimer's disease.

#7.) TO SHARPEN YOUR SENSES . . . eat a tablespoon of flaxseed every day. It strengthens your cerebral cortex . . . the area of your brain that processes sensory information. You can sprinkle flaxseed on salads, or mix it into a protein shake.

--DON'T DRINK . . . alcohol. It's easy to forget that alcohol is actually a DEPRESSANT. That means it depresses your nervous system and makes you sloppy, not sharp. And when you get drunk, it can take DAYS for your brain to recover. (MensHealth.com)